Application tool for applying a product to hair

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to an application tool and method for applying a product to hair. The application tool may comprise a base and an applicator. The base may at least partially secure and enclose the applicator. The applicator may include a brush section that includes bristles and a comb section that includes teeth.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to an application tool and method for applying a product, such as a hair product. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an application tool with a base and an applicator, wherein the applicator may have a brush section and a comb section.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of hair dye is well known and has a long history. Hair dye may be used for many reasons, such as to change the color of a person's natural hair or to cover up gray hair. Hair dye may be used to change the color of the hair on the head, beard, or eyebrows, for instance. After hair has been dyed and the hair begins to grow out, the roots become visible. This is particularly so when hair has been dyed a color that is substantially different than a person's natural hair color, or when gray hair starts to grow and the person's natural or dyed hair color tends to emphasize the gray. For many people who dye their hair, it is undesirable to have roots exposed that show their natural hair color. Because dying hair frequently can be expensive, time consuming, messy, and in some cases can also be bad for the health of hair, people may wish to quickly and easily cover up the outgrowth at the roots of the hair without full dying of the hair. An applicator may be used to apply such a product.

One known method for applying a product to hair involves using a bottle to directly apply a cream or liquid product to the hair. In such products, the bottle containing the hair product is typically flexible, which may allow a user to squeeze the bottle to dispense the hair product. The bottle may have a spout or tip that can be used to help direct the product to specific areas of the hair. In some cases, the bottle may have an additional element that can be attached to the spout-end of the bottle to help apply product to the hair. The additional element may be rake- or claw-like, having a base and relatively few prongs, for instance fewer than ten. The prongs may have holes in them such that the product may move from the bottle through the additional element and onto the hair. This method of applying a hair product can be quite messy, as it can be difficult to precisely control the amount of product being applied. Additionally, this method may result in excess product being applied to the scalp of the hair, as opposed to the hair itself.

Another method of applying a cream or liquid product involves mixing up a hair product in, for instance, a tray and then using a device of some sort to move the product from the tray to the hair. Typically, such a device will have a relatively long handle combined with a relatively short section of bristles, not unlike a toothbrush, except that the bristles are typically positioned perpendicular to the handle. Using this type of device for applying a cream product may be messy. Further, the product may not be evenly distributed because the bristles may tend to coat only the top layer of hair. Another method for applying a product to hair uses a mascara wand. However, a mascara wand may not evenly distribute product or may result in clumping. Another method known for applying a product to hair uses a wand with a sponge-like tip. Using a wand with a sponge-like tip, however, may take a long time to apply the product and may not work well with non-liquid products. One method of applying a non-liquid product that is known in the art, comprises a lipstick-like apparatus, where a hair product may have the consistency of lipstick and may be packaged similar to a tube of lipstick. In this case, a user may apply the product to the hair just as a user might apply actual lipstick to the lips or cheeks. This method of applying a hair product may also result in clumping and uneven distribution. Standard cosmetic brushes have also been used. However, standard cosmetic brushes that generally include a relatively long wand with a brush at the end of the want may merely coat the top layer of hair, and may not provide the desired level or consistency of coverage. Therefore, a need exists for an application tool that can easily, quickly, evenly, and thoroughly apply a hair product to areas of the hair where it is desirable to apply a color.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to an application tool and method for applying a hair product to hair.

The present disclosure, in one embodiment, relates to an application tool that has a base and an applicator. The applicator may have a brush section that includes bristles and a comb section that includes teeth. The base may be coupled to at least a portion of the applicator.

The present disclosure, in another embodiment, relates to a method of applying a hair product. The application tool may be coated with a desired amount of hair product. The application tool may have a base or housing and an applicator, the base having a length and a height. The applicator may have a brush section and a comb section. The hair may be arranged to receive a desired amount of product for hair. Next the application tool may be positioned at a starting point on the hair that is arranged to receive the hair product such that the length of the base is substantially parallel to the starting point. The application tool may then be pulled through the hair in a direction away from the starting point. The comb section of the applicator may function to at least partially anchor the application tool to the scalp such that the brush section may generally evenly and thoroughly coat the exposed section of roots. The process described above may be repeated until the desired amount of coverage has been achieved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as forming the various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is believed that the disclosure will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Figures, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an application tool, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is side view of the application tool shown in FIG. 1A, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1C is an end view of the application tool shown in FIG. 1A showing the inside of the base with phantom lines, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1D is a bottom view of the application tool of FIG. 1A, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1E is a side view of an application tool according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a compact that includes an embodiment of an application tool of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a method of using the application tool to apply a product, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is perspective view of an application tool positioned on a part line prior to applying product to the root section of the hair, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a novel and advantageous application tool and method for applying a product to human hair.

As can be seen in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, an application tool 100 may generally comprise a base or housing 2 and an applicator 4. The base 2 may at least partially enclose and secure the applicator 4. The applicator 4 may comprise a brush section 6 and a comb section 8. In one embodiment, the base 2 may be generally hemispherical in shape. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1B, the base 2 may be substantially hemispherical with portions of the base having straight edges. In other embodiments, the base may be any geometric shape, such as rectangular, circular, or other shapes. The base 2 in some embodiments may be formed with depressions or contours for receiving the user's fingers, such that the application tool 100 may be more comfortable to hold. The base 2 may further have an open end 10, from which the applicator 4 extends. The base 2 may be made from plastic, metal, wood, or any other suitable material, or combination of materials. The base may be any color, or combination of colors. In some embodiments, the base may be patterned with writing, designs, and/or patterns. In some embodiments, the base may have a relatively greater width and/or shorter length than traditional brushes, for example wand style cosmetic brushes. A base and applicator with a greater width than traditional brushes may advantageously allow relatively more product to be applied to the hair with fewer strokes. It will be recognized that the base and in some cases the base and the applicator may have any suitable width or height. In some embodiments the width of the application tool may be, for example, about one inch to about four inches. In still other embodiments the width of the application tool may be about one and a half inches to about three inches. In still other embodiments, the width of the applicator tool may be about two inches.

As discussed above, and as shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, the applicator 4 may comprise a brush section 6 and a comb section 8. In one embodiment, the comb section 8 may be positioned substantially parallel to the brush section 6. The comb section 8 may be positioned in the middle of the brush section 6 along the length of the brush section 6, such that there is effectively a brush section 6 on each side of the comb section 8, as can best be seen in FIG. 1C. In another embodiment, the comb section 8 may be placed adjacent the brush section 6 along the length of the brush section 6, as can best be seen in FIG. 1E. The brush section may comprise a plurality of parallel bristles extending vertically from the open end 10 of the base 2. The bristles of the brush section 6 may be made from natural hairs, for example goat, squirrel, boar, sable, or camel hairs, or the bristles may be made of synthetic fibers, for example nylon or taklon, or the bristles may be made from any other natural hair or synthetic fiber, or any combination thereof. The comb section 8 of the applicator 2 may comprise a plurality of vertically extending teeth positioned adjacent one another, as can be seen in FIG. 1D. The teeth of the comb section 8 may be made from plastic, metal, wood, or any other suitable material, or combination of materials. The individual teeth of the comb section may be positioned any suitable distance apart.

The applicator 4 of the application tool 100 may be coupled to the base 2 as may be seen in FIG. 1D, which shows the base 2 surrounding the entire periphery of the applicator 4. In some embodiments, the applicator may extend within the base 2 substantially the entire height of the base 2, as can be seen in FIG. 1C. In other embodiments, the applicator may extend within the base less than substantially the entire height of the base. The applicator 4 may be secured inside of the base 2 in some embodiments by any suitable adhesive. In other embodiments, some portions of the applicator 4 may be integral with the base 2. For instance, the comb section 8 may be integrally formed with the base 2, for instance by injection molding, while the brush section may be secured by an adhesive. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the applicator 4 may be coupled to the base by any suitable means other than with an adhesive. The open end 10 of the base 2 may have individual holes to receive and secure each tooth of the comb section 8 of the applicator 4. Similarly, the open end 10 of base 2 may have individual holes to receive and secure each bristle, or a tuft of bristles, of the brush section 6 of the applicator 4. In one embodiment, tufts of bristles of the brush section 6 may be anchored to the base 2 by means of anchor plates or loops. In another embodiment, the entire applicator 2 may be formed together as a unitary piece that may be non-detachably coupled to the inside of the base 2.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, both the brush section 6 and the comb section 8 extend substantially the entire length of the base 2. In another embodiment, the comb section 8 may extend less than the entire length of the base, while the brush section 6 may extend substantially the entire length of the base 2. In another embodiment, the brush section 6 may extend less than the entire length of the base 2, while the comb section 8 may extend substantially the entire length of the base 2. In still other embodiments, both the comb section 8 and the brush section 6 may extend less than substantially the entire length of the base 2. Additionally, the teeth of the comb section 8 and the bristles of the brush section 6 may extend vertically from the open end 10 of the base 2 any suitable distance. These distances may vary between the comb section 8 and the brush section 6 or between individual teeth of the comb section 8 and/or individual bristles of the brush section 6. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the teeth of the comb section 8 and the bristles of the brush section 6 extend substantially the same vertical distance from the open end 10 of the base 2. In other embodiments, the teeth of the comb section 8 may extend any suitable distance further or any suitable distance less far than the bristles of the brush section 6 from the open end 10 of the base 2. As may be seen in FIG. 1E, for example, the bristles of the brush section 6 may extend further than the teeth of the comb section 8, in some embodiments. As may also be seen in FIGS. 1A-1E, in some embodiments the bristles of the brush and/or the teeth of the comb may have substantially the same height, thereby forming a substantially straight line, which may be advantageous for applying the product evenly to hair along the part, for example.

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of how the application tool 100 may be packaged as part of a compact 200. A compact 200 may include a housing 202 with one or more compartments for a product 204, such as a hair product, and a compartment for an application tool 100. The compact 200 may also have an inside cover 206 that may comprise a mirror, instructions, designs, etc.

FIG. 3 shows one method of using the application tool to apply a product to the hair 300. At step 304 the application tool may be coated with a desired amount of product for the hair. At step 306 the hair may be arranged to expose or otherwise prepare a section of hair that is intended to be at least partially covered with a product for hair. For example, the hair may be arranged to expose the roots of the hair. In one embodiment, the hair may be arranged by parting the hair. In another embodiment, the hair may be arranged by pulling the hair back from the hairline. In yet another embodiment, the hair may be arranged by combing the hair in a particular direction, for instance, in embodiments where the tool is used to apply a product to the eyebrows, the hair of the eyebrows may be combed up, down, or to the side in preparation to receive a hair product. While reference is made in the example to hair being arranged by parting, it will be recognized that the hair may be arranged in any suitable way to receive hair product. The application tool may be positioned at a starting point of a section of hair that is intended to be covered with a product for hair at step 308. For instance, the application tool may be positioned substantially parallel to the hairline, while the hair may be pulled away from the hair line. Alternatively, the application tool may be positioned along a part line such that the length of the base is parallel to the part line. Next, at step 310 the application tool is pulled through the hair away from the starting point. The preceding steps 304-310 may be repeated as many times as necessary to achieve the amount of coverage desired.

FIG. 4 shows use of the application tool, in accordance with a method described in FIG. 3, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Product for the hair may first be applied to the application tool in any desired amount. As shown, the hair 406 may be arranged to form a part 404, such that the part 404 generally divides the hair 406 and may expose a portion of the root section 408 of the hair 406. The application tool 100 may be positioned, as shown in FIG. 4, so that the length of the application tool 100 is substantially parallel with the part 404. The application tool 100 may then be pulled across the hair in a direction generally away from the part, while still keeping the application tool 100 substantially parallel with the part 404. The brush may be pulled across the hair such that substantially the entire root area 408 may be covered with product. It will be understood that if a lesser degree of coverage is desired, a lesser amount of product may be applied to the application tool. The process may be repeated along the part 404 until the desired amount of coverage has been achieved. It will also be recognized that the application tool may be moved in a back-and-forth and/or side-to-side movement across the hair. Additionally, as discussed above, the application tool 100 may be used in a similar manner at the temples and along the hairline. The application tool 100 may be generally placed at the edge of the hairline and pulled through the hair, away from the face such that the desired amount of coverage may be achieved. It will be recognized that the application tool may be directed through the hair in any direction and/or may be moved in a back-and-forth and/or side-to-side motion, in order to achieve the coverage desired. As may be appreciated, the comb section 8 may provide an anchor for the application tool 100 so that the brush section 6 may generally evenly and thoroughly distribute the hair product.

While embodiments of the application tool have been described as being used to apply a product to cover or camouflage outgrowth at the root section of the hair, it will be recognized that the application tool and method may also be used to apply highlights and/or lowlights to hair. Further, it will be recognized that the application tool may be used in other entirely different contexts without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For instance, the application tool may be used in arts and crafts projects to apply paint to different materials, for example. The application tool may also be used to decorate baked goods, or for any other suitable purpose where it is desired to apply a substance to a material.

In the foregoing description various embodiments of the disclosure have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principals of the invention and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled. 

1. An application tool comprising: a base; and an applicator, wherein the applicator comprises a brush section that includes bristles and a comb section that includes teeth, and wherein the base is coupled to the applicator.
 2. The application tool of claim 1, wherein the comb section is positioned in the middle of the brush section.
 3. The application tool of claim 1, wherein the comb section is positioned adjacent the brush section.
 4. The application tool of claim 1, wherein the teeth of the comb section are longer than the bristles of the brush section.
 5. The application tool of claim 1, wherein the bristles of the brush section are longer than the teeth of the comb section.
 6. The application tool of claim 1, wherein the bristles of the brush are made from a natural hair source.
 7. The application tool of claim 1, wherein the applicator is secured to the base by an adhesive.
 8. The application tool of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the applicator is secured to the base by injection molding.
 9. The application tool of claim 1, wherein the bristles of the brush are made from a synthetic material.
 10. The application tool of claim 1, wherein a plurality of bristles of the brush section extend substantially the same distance from the base.
 11. A compact for storing an application tool, comprising: a housing with at least one compartment; an application tool configured for placement in at least one compartment of the housing, the application tool comprising a base and an applicator, wherein the applicator includes a brush section comprised of a plurality of bristles and a comb section comprised of a plurality of teeth.
 12. The compact of claim 11, further comprising at least one compartment for holding a product that is applied with the application tool.
 13. The compact of claim 12, wherein the product is a hair product.
 14. The compact of claim 12, wherein at least some of the plurality of bristles of the brush section of the applicator are longer than at least some of the plurality of teeth of the comb section.
 15. The compact of claim 12, wherein at least some of the plurality of teeth of the comb section are longer than at least some of the plurality of bristles of the brush section of the applicator.
 16. The compact of claim 12, wherein a plurality of bristles of the brush section of the application tool extend substantially the same distance from the base of the application tool.
 17. A method of applying hair product comprising: coating an application tool with a desired amount of hair product, wherein the application tool comprises a base and an applicator, wherein the base has a length and a height, and wherein the applicator comprises a brush section and a comb section; arranging the hair to expose a section of roots; positioning the application tool at a starting point of arranged hair such that the length of the base is substantially parallel to the starting point of arranged hair; and pulling the application tool through the hair, wherein the comb section of the applicator generally functions to anchor the application tool to the scalp, such that the brush section substantially evenly and thoroughly coats the exposed section of roots.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the brush section of the applicator has bristles that are longer than teeth of the comb section.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein teeth of the comb section of the applicator are longer than bristles of the brush section of the applicator.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein bristles of the brush section are made from at least one natural hair source.
 21. The method of claim 17, wherein the comb section of the applicator is parallel to and bisects the brush section of the applicator.
 22. The method of claim 17, wherein the comb section is parallel to and adjacent the brush section of the applicator.
 23. The method of claim 17, wherein a plurality of bristles of the brush section of the application tool extend substantially the same distance from the base of the application tool. 